Effects of phosphorus fertilization on potato (solanum tuberosum l.) crop production, in huambo country (Angola)

Abstract

Several trials were carried out to compare total and commercial potato yield of the imported cultivar Romano and the regional cultivar Tchigembo, planted in two dates on rain season (October and February) and in a third date (June), in dry season, with irrigation. The trials were repeated in three locations of the Huambo country – Bailundo, Chianga and Calenga. The effects on total and commercial (tubers diameter > 25 mm) potato yields of different amounts of phosphorus, applied with single superphosphate (24% of P₂O₅) were evaluated. Treatments were: control (any type of soil fertilization) null, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 kg ha^-1 of P₂O₅. Phosphorus treatments received also 300 kg ha^-1 of nitrogen (urea) applied uniformly, in three times. The greatest economic benefice for both potato varieties was 200 kg ha^-1 of P₂O₅.